Receptacle support device for balcony or railing

ABSTRACT

A supporting device is provided for mounting a receptacle or container to a supporting structure, such as a rail, balcony wall or other similar support structure. The supporting device has an adjustable retention member for receiving and retaining the receptacle and a mounting member for mounting the device to the support structure. The retention member is adapted to fit around the outer circumference of the receptacle to be mounted to securely retain the same. The mounting member is in cooperative engagement with the retention member and includes engaging means for releasably engaging the support structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a receptacle support for a balcony or railing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a support to be used on a balcony, railing or fence or other such supporting surface for supporting a receptacle such as a garbage can, flower pot or other such receptacles or containers.

BACKGROUND ART

There are many known arrangements and supporting structures for the mounting of garbage cans, flower pots or similar containers to fences, railings, posts or the like. Most of the known arrangements are of fixed sizes to hold a particular sized container or are not easily adjustable or readily removable from the supporting surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,380 discloses a rail mounted rack for bowl shaped or kettle shaped containers, such as outdoor grills or the like. The rack of this patent is intended to be mounted to a fence or similar support which has spaced apart vertical support posts or fence slats. The rack includes an arcuate section for receiving and holding the container and oppositely disposed arm members which extend horizontally from the arcuate section. The ends of the arms extend over the top of the fence or railing. Two bracing members are provided which are positioned on either side of the fence or railing and are joined to the arm members. The bracing members extend downwardly from the arms, one on each side of the fence or railing, and are bolted together through a space between the slats or support posts of the fence or railing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,059 discloses a mounting arrangement for a flower pot or like container to a railing or fence where there is a horizontal top rail and a plurality of spaced apart generally vertically aligned posts or slats. The arrangement of this patent includes a support member which conforms to the horizontal rail and substantially surrounds the rail. A second circularly shaped bracket member includes prongs which fit in apertures within the support member on the rail. The prongs being inserted into apertures of the support member at such a position that they are located at an open space between the vertical posts and extend under the horizontal rail.

Canadian Patent Application 2,227,459 (published Sep. 27, 1998) discloses a hanger for a plant container. The hanger has a mounting section which includes an open U-shaped channel to receive a horizontal member (such as a railing). Screws are provided to tighten and secure the hanger to the rail. The screw adjustment means allows the hanger to be mounted on different size railings.

Canadian Patent Application 2,261,474 (published Aug. 13, 1999) relates to a hanger device which is adapted for attachment to a vertical member, such as a deck railing baluster. The hanging device has an engaging portion adapted to engage a baluster and a hanging portion for engaging a container such as a potted plant or similar article.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 266,382 relates to a flower pot holder which is adapted for mounting to a chain link fence. The holder includes a circular portion for retaining a pot as well as two hook mounting members for mounting to a fence. There is also provided a downwardly extending support member between the two hook members.

Canadian Design Registration 69720 discloses a bucket holder which includes a pair of mounting hooks for presumably mounting to a horizontal support. The holder of this patent includes a circular rim for mounting a bucket together with a bottom U-shaped support member for providing support to the bucket.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 252,439 discloses a hanging support for a pail. The support includes a circularly shaped ring as well as a lower support bar and an upper hooked section for mounting the support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a space saving storage and support device for the support of a receptacle or container from a balcony or railing.

In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides such a space saving storage and support device for containers which is readily adjustable to support various sized containers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a space saving storage and support device to support containers from a supporting structure, such as a wall, where the device can be easily and quickly mounted on the supporting structure and which can also be easily and quickly removed therefrom when it is desired to do so.

In a still further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a storage and support device which is readily “foldable” for compact storage and transport.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a supporting device for mounting a receptacle to a supporting structure where the supporting device comprises an adjustable retention member for receiving and retaining a receptacle and a mounting member in cooperative engagement with the retention member. The retention member adapted to fit around the outer circumference of the receptacle to be mounted. The mounting member is in cooperative engagement with the retention member and has engaging means for releasably engaging the supporting structure.

Preferably the retention member is a ring shaped member formed of a single length of material, the free ends of the material overlapping portions of the ring-shaped member. In this manner, the ring shaped member is adjustable in size by adjusting the distance of the free ends from each other.

In other preferred embodiments, the mounting member is joined to the retention member with connection means such that the mounting member is pivotally moveable with respect to the retention member wherein the mounting member can be pivoted towards the retention member for more compact storage or transport.

In a particularly preferred arrangement, the connection means is in the form of a C-shaped bracket and bolt, although other suitable connection means can be utilized.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means includes a generally C-shaped base portion, and a pair of generally vertically extending arms. The engaging means, which may be in the form of hook members, extend from the vertically extending arms.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a supporting device for a container, comprising: a generally circularly shaped retention ring for receiving and retaining the container; a mounting member for mounting the retention ring to a support structure; and adjustable connection means connecting the retention ring and the mounting member together in such a manner to permit rotation of the mounting member with respect to the retention ring from a first use position to a second storage position.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a supporting device for mounting a receptacle to a supporting structure, comprising: an adjustable retention member for receiving and retaining a receptacle, the retention member adapted to fit around the outer circumference of the receptacle and adjustable in size to fit around an outer circumference of various sized receptacles; a mounting member in cooperative engagement with the retention member and having engaging means for releasably engaging the supporting structure; and connection means for pivotally connecting the mounting member to the retention member.

In a preferred arrangement, when in a use position, the retention ring is releasably locked in position with respect to said mounting member by way of releasable locking means. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the releasable locking means is in the form of locking elbows on said mounting member which releasably engage the retention ring.

The supporting device of the present invention is particularly suitable for receiving and supporting containers such as garbage cans, flower pots, and the like. Although, it will be appreciated that the supporting device of the present invention can be used with any number of containers or receptacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the receptacle support device of the present invention in a ready to use condition;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the receptacle support of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view taken from one side of the receptacle support;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view taken from the other side of the receptacle support;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the receptacle support of the present invention in a folded for storage condition; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the receptacle support of the present invention in use supporting a garbage can on a wall member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1 through 7 which illustrate the receptacle support, generally designated by reference numeral 10, in a ready to use, unfolded, condition.

The receptacle support 10 includes a receptacle support means, which is illustrated in the form of a circular member or retaining ring 12, which is adapted to fit around the receptacle or container to be supported. The retaining ring 12 defines an opening 14 for receiving and holding a receptacle or container, such as a trash can or flower pot or other generally circularly shaped container, with the rim or wider top area of the container or receptacle resting above the retaining ring 12 so that the container can be easily inserted or removed from the top of the support 10.

The retaining ring 12 is formed of a length of material formed into a loop and having two free ends 13, 15 which in part overlap a portion of the loop. Preferably the ends 13, 15 are enlarged to prevent the sliding of these ends from the retention clamp 28 which will be discussed further hereinbelow.

A mounting frame 16 is also provided which includes, when in a use or unfolded position, a generally horizontal base portion 18 and a pair of generally vertically extending arm portions 20, 22 which terminate in hook members 24, 26. The hook members 24, 26 are adapted to be hooked onto a horizontal railing such as the railing of a balcony, deck, fence or like supporting structure.

The generally horizontal base portion 18 is of generally C-shaped configuration with a pair of opposed arms 19, 21, the opposed arms 19, 21 ending in upwardly extending curved or bent portions or elbows 23, 25 which extend upwardly into the vertically extending arm portions 20, 22. The C-shaped horizontal base portion 18 is mounted to the retention ring 12 and is preferably located in position on an underside thereof When in a use position, the vertically extending arms 20, 22 extend upwardly through the opening 14, and the elbows 23, 25 form a locking engagement with the retention ring 12 to maintain and support the retention ring 12 in a generally horizontal orientation.

The mounting frame 16 is pivotally mounted with respect to the retention ring 12 so that it can be moved from the use position, where the position of the retention ring 12 is essentially locked with respect to the mounting frame 16, by way of the elbows 23, 25, and the vertical arms 20, 22 are generally perpendicular to the retention ring 12 to a “folded” or storage position where the elbows 23, 25 are disengaged from the retention ring 12 and the vertical arms 20, 22 are moved inwardly and downwardly towards said opening 14 to a position where said arms 20, 22 are generally parallel to the retention ring 12.

The mounting frame 16 and the retaining ring 12 are joined together by way of a retention clamp 28 which is preferably in the form of a C-shaped bracket and a bolt which securely retains the mounting frame 16 and the retaining ring together.

Due to the free ends of the retaining ring 12, the retaining ring itself is adjustable in size to accommodate various sizes of receptacles or containers. To adjust the size of the retaining ring 12, the bolt of the retention clamp is loosened and the ends 13, 15 of the retaining ring adjusted to either make the retaining ring 12 smaller or larger, depending on the desired size and the bolt then retightened.

The mounting frame 16 is mounted with the retaining ring 12 in such a manner to permit pivotal movement therewith, so that the receptacle support can be folded into a generally more compact flattened condition for ease of storage and transport. This storage position is shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.

As noted hereinabove, the ends 13, 15 of the retaining ring 12 are enlarged to reduce the risk of the ends 13, 15 slipping through the retention clamp 28 in an unintentional manner.

With reference to FIG. 9, this figure illustrates the support device 10 of the present invention in use supporting a garbage can 30 on a support structure 32, such as a balcony wall.

It is particularly preferred that the retaining ring be comprised of a single length of material bent into a circular shape to form the retaining ring 12. Likewise, it is particularly preferred that the mounting frame 16 also be comprised of a single length of material, bent appropriately to form the horizontal base 18, vertical arms 20, 22 and hook members 24, 26.

Preferably the support device 10 is comprised of metal, galvanized steel being a particularly preferred material. Of course, it will be appreciated that other suitable materials can be utilized.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described hereinabove, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A supporting device for mounting a receptacle to a supporting structure, comprising: an adjustable retention member for receiving and retaining a receptacle, said retention member adapted to fit around the outer circumference of said receptacle; and a mounting member in cooperative engagement with said retention member and having engaging means for releasably engaging said supporting structure.
 2. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retention member is a ring-shaped member.
 3. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable retention member is ring-shaped member formed from a single length of material, the free ends of the material overlapping portions of the ring shaped member.
 4. The supporting device of claim 3, wherein the distance between said free ends can be adjusted to adjust the size of the retention member for retaining different receptacle sizes.
 5. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting member is joined to said retention member with connection means such that said mounting member is pivotally moveable with respect to said retention member wherein said mounting member can be pivoted down towards said retention member for storage.
 6. The supporting device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said connection means is in the form of a C-shaped clamp and bolt arrangement.
 7. The support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a generally C-shaped base portion, and a pair of generally vertically extending arms, said engaging means extending from said vertically extending arms.
 8. The supporting device of claim 1, wherein said engaging means are hook members.
 9. The supporting device of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is a garbage can.
 10. A supporting device for a container, comprising: a generally circularly shaped retention ring for receiving and retaining said container; mounting member for mounting said retention ring to a support structure; and adjustable connection means connecting said retention ring and said mounting member together in such a manner to permit rotation of said mounting member with respect to said retention ring from a first use position to a second storage position.
 11. The supporting device of claim 10, wherein the retention ring is formed from a length of material having free ends, the free ends overlapping a portion of the retention ring and wherein said retention ring is adjustable in size by adjusting the distance between said free ends to accommodate various sized containers.
 12. The supporting device of claim 11, wherein said connection means also retains the desired size of said retention ring.
 13. The supporting device of claim 11, wherein said free ends have enlarged portions to prevent undesired opening of said retention ring.
 14. A supporting device for mounting a receptacle to a supporting structure, comprising: an adjustable retention member for receiving and retaining a receptacle, said retention member adapted to fit around the outer circumference of said receptacle and adjustable in size to fit around an outer circumference of various sized receptacles; a mounting member in cooperative engagement with said retention member and having engaging means for releasably engaging said supporting structure; connection means for pivotally connecting said mounting member to said retention member.
 15. The supporting device of claim 14, wherein said adjustable retention member has a pair of free ends which are adjustable in position to thereby adjust the size of the retention member.
 16. The supporting device of claim 14, wherein said mounting member is pivotable from a first use position where said mounting member extends upwardly from said retention member to a second storage position where said mounting member is generally parallel to said retention member.
 17. The supporting device of claim 14, wherein said mounting member includes a pair of hook members to releasably engage said supporting structure.
 18. The supporting device of claim 14, wherein said retention member is a circularly shaped member.
 19. The supporting device of claim 14, wherein said connecting means securely retains the size of the retention member.
 20. The supporting device of claim 1, wherein said supporting device is made of metal.
 21. The supporting device of claim 20, wherein said supporting device is made of galvanized steel.
 22. The supporting device of claim 1, further comprising locking means for releasably locking said retention member in a use position with respect to said mounting member, where said mounting member extends generally perpendicular with respect to said retention ring.
 23. The supporting device of claim 10, further comprising locking means for releasably locking said retention ring in a use position with respect to said mounting member, where said mounting member extends generally perpendicular to said retention ring. 